It came as no surprise to me to learn that Father’s Day was initiated by a “Smart” woman. In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon. Her father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day a year later on June, 19th. In 1972, President Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to occur on the third Sunday in June.

I learned how to shop for shoes from my mother, but I learned how to take care of shoes from my father. And for me, it has proved to be an invaluable lesson. I have shoes that I have owned for years, that look like I just purchased them. There’s a perception that Father’s Day tends not to have the fanfare that Mother’s Day has. What better way for an eco-fashionista to dispel this by carefully selecting a great pair of eco friendly shoes for Dad! I thought it would be fun to see what type of eco friendly shoes were out there for men. As was the case when I started the my chase for high fashion eco friendly shoes for women, it was a challenge to find high quality classically styled eco shoes for men. Nevertheless, I found several great shoe sites to recommend.

Timberland is synonymous with deftly designed long-lasting shoes. Timberland is also an excellent example of an Environmental Steward. Timberland has made strides to eliminate PVC, launched a multi-brand environmental audit for tanneries as a basis for evaluating their environmental performance, and has committed to increase their organic consumption to a minimum of 10% by 2010.

Timberland Earthkeepers Burnished Nubuck

The Earth Keepers shoe line was launched as a way to improve the way they operate by cutting back on emissions, using renewable energy and using more organic and recycled materials. These Nubuck Loafers feature Timberland’s trademark durability, along with moisture-wicking linings made from recycled materials, siped outsoles made with recycled rubber. Dad should appreciate the all-day comfort.

My search for men’s shoes styled for work or special occasions led me to the Vegan Collection. This LA based company specializes in vegan shoes and accessories for men. Continuing the theme of stewardship, The Vegan Collection donates 24% of all profits to animal rights organizations chosen by it customers and 1% to retiring greenhouse emission offsets. Once again, leave it to eco-oriented companies to walk the talk when it comes to social responsibility.

I found several attractive men’s shoes on the Vegan Chic site. I love their slogan “You don’t have to wear somebody else’s skin to be in style!” That says it all. Also in LA, this PETA Business Friend offers International shipping and free shipping on shoe orders over $75.

For an out of this world selection of eco and vegan friendly shoes, visit Planet Shoes. Planet Shoes site is jammed packed with shoes for every imaginable style of eco and vegan friendly shoes for the whole family. For men, they carry athletic, casual and dress shoes. While your there, you can pick a pair of shoes for yourself to complement his. As an added convenience for shoppers, customer care can be accessed on the site through live chat, email or by phone. Most US customer can enjoy free shipping and returns for shoe orders over $49. Planet Shoes also offers special reduced shipping rates for Canadian customers.

These are just a few sites to get you started shopping for dad. I am so pleased to find the variety available for men. It would be nice to see the eco and vegan friendly shoes grow in tandem with women’s shoes.

100 years later, we still celebrate Father’s Day in the US because a daughter just wanted to honor her provider and protector. This Father’s Day, for those of you who can, show your love for the men in your life who protect and love you by helping them get in touch with their earthy side with a gift from the earth–eco shoes.